Sydney Harbour, SydneyCredit: Destination NSW
Sun rising over Sydney Harbour and Circular Quay, Sydney.
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Home to the country’s most famous landmarks, Sydney Harbour is often the first port of call for travellers to Australia. Framed by world-renowned structures such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, and punctuated by myriad beaches, gardens and bushland, the harbour is a playground for nature lovers, art and design enthusiasts and foodies.
Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge offers unrivalled views across the harbour and city skyline. The team at BridgeClimb will guide you high into the bridge’s arches toward the summit of this living icon, 134 metres above the water. From here you’ll take in 360-degree panoramic views. Thrill seekers can ascend the entire bridge from south to north, and back again, with BridgeClimb’s Ultimate experience.
Visit the Sydney Opera House and Museum of Contemporary Art
From Circular Quay, the Sydney Opera House is instantly recognisable. A path leads you right around the edge of the building so you can admire its bright tiled sails. Join an architectural tour to fully appreciate this World-Heritage listed masterpiece, delving into its history and construction. The Sydney Opera House presents more than 40 shows a week, spanning classical music, comedy, theatre, dance, film and more – be sure to check out what’s on.
Continue your culture fix at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), across the quay from the Sydney Opera House. The MCA showcases a permanent collection of painting, photography, sculpture and moving image, alongside a diverse line-up of exhibitions from Australian and international artists.
Sydney Hype Real Credit: Destination NSW
Discover Australia’s most beautiful city, from the iconic Sydney Opera House and sparkling blue Sydney Harbour to fabulous beaches, delicious food and blockbuster shows.
#ilovesydney
Sydney Hype Real Credit: Destination NSW
Discover Australia’s most beautiful city, from the iconic Sydney Opera House and sparkling blue Sydney Harbour to fabulous beaches, delicious food and blockbuster shows.
BridgeClimb Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Scale Sydney Harbour Bridge at twilight.
#ilovesydney
BridgeClimb Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Scale Sydney Harbour Bridge at twilight.
Jacarandas, Sydney Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Museum of Contemporary Art and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
#ilovesydney
Jacarandas, Sydney Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Museum of Contemporary Art and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Explore the Royal Botanic Garden
From Circular Quay it’s a brisk 10-minute walk along the esplanade to the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Australia’s oldest botanic garden is home to an amazing variety of native plants and wildlife. Join an Aboriginal guided tour to learn about the diverse history and culture of the local Cadigal Aboriginal people, the Traditional Custodians of the central Sydney region. Afterward, stroll through the gardens to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, a carved sandstone bench crafted by convicts in 1810.
Ride a ferry or take a seaplane flight
One of the best ways to experience Sydney’s glistening harbour is on it, riding Sydney’s iconic harbour ferries. Hop on a ferry from Circular Quay to explore beautiful beachside suburbs such as Manly and Watsons Bay, where you can enjoy fish and chips or head out on a harbour walk along the foreshore. Alternatively, you can experience a bird’s-eye view across the harbour with a scenic flight departing from Rose Bay, about 10 minutes’ drive east of the city centre.
Dine at lauded waterfront restaurants
Sydney Harbour is home to some of the city’s most celebrated restaurants. Chef Peter Gilmore’s Quay and Bennelong restaurants set a benchmark for fine dining in Sydney, serving rare and innovative cuisine at the water’s edge. Bennelong is housed under one of the ‘sails’ of the Sydney Opera House, while Quay sits across the water at the Overseas Passenger Terminal. For something more casual, enjoy cocktails and a selection of Australian seafood at Opera Bar, overseen by celebrity chef Matt Moran.
The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Enjoy a family day out in the Royal Botanic Garden.
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The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Enjoy a family day out in the Royal Botanic Garden.
Manly Ferry, Manly Credit: Destination NSW
The Manly ferry service arriving at Manly Wharf.
#ilovesydney
Manly Ferry, Manly Credit: Destination NSW
The Manly ferry service arriving at Manly Wharf.
More Inspirational Stories
Murray Rose Pool, Double BayCredit: Destination NSW
Harbour views from Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
#feelnewsydney
Connect with the true essence of Sydney by mingling with the friendly locals and discovering the vibrant energy that defines the city. Beyond its stunning landmarks, Sydney invites you to experience its warmth and charm.
Showstopping At Royal Randwick
Dress to Impress at Royal Randwick Racecourse for a Saturday at the races during the Sydney Everest Carnival. Don’t miss the fresh new destination, the Peacock Lounge in the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick. For five exclusive days only, the Peacock Lounge will be the place to be to elevate your race day
Don't miss the fresh new destination, the Peacock Lounge in the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick. For five exclusive days only, the Peacock Lounge will be the place to be this Carnival to elevate your raceday.
Check out the open air Theatre Of The Horse to watch the racehorses' parade with their jockeys in vibrant racing silks before the competition .Then hit the rose garden for further festivities, this time it’s all about preening and social media.
For post-race shenanigans, join racegoers at one of Paddington’s watering holes including the rooftop at The Light Brigade, The Royal Hotel at Fiveways or The Paddington, which boasts some excellent dining options. Alternatively, saddle up for a pasta blowout at fashionable Paddington institution, 10 William Street.
Salute the Dawn at Bronte Beach
The 440 Run Club is a free Saturday morning running club that is open to everyone at any fitness level. Meet in the park in front of Bronte Beach in the dark, and join a crew of all ages and backgrounds to run, jog or even walk up and down a hill in a continuous loop. Sunrise over this beautiful beach never looked so good.
Afterwards go cafe hopping at the beachside strip and nabone of the outdoor tables for pinch yourself views. The Bogey Hole Cafe is a great place to start.
If you’re still full of beans, do the stunning Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk Follow the scenic pathway back to Bondi or go further afield to another action-packed beach suburb, Coogee. This is also where you’ll find one of Sydney’s Insta-famous restaurants, Mimi’s.
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick Credit: Destination NSW
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick 2014..
#feelnewsydney
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick Credit: Destination NSW
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick 2014..
Bronte Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer heading out to catch a wave at Bronte Beach, Sydney.
#feelnewsydney
Bronte Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer heading out to catch a wave at Bronte Beach, Sydney.
Go Boho In Bondi
Sydney’s famous Bondi has plenty of trophy hang outs including Icebergs Dining Room and the Promenade ,but it also has a Boho beating heart. At North Bondi (which is where the locals swim), refill at heritage cafe, Speedos or drop into the laid back Bondi RSL filled with interesting characters and extraordinary views of the beach.
Explore the shopping thoroughfare of Gould Street with signature store, Tuchuzy and keep walking all the way to the Bondi Farmer’s Market
Other boho outposts include Gertrude & Alice bookstore and cafe on Hall Street, Up South on Bondi Road, Bondi Tony’s for Aussie Burgers in Glenayr Avenue, and Shop & Wine Bar in Curlewis Street Bondi.
Heritage, Art and Harbourside Delights
Sydney’s Parliament House, steeped in colonial history, is open to the public every Monday and Friday. The Legislative Assembly chamber (also known as the bear pit) is the place where laws are made with vigorous debate. Afterwards take a stroll across the Domain, spread out in front of you like a green carpet to the Art Gallery Of NSW. Head to the newly opened and architecturally amazing North Wing - Naala Badu - for lunch at MOD. Dining by Clayton Wells.
Then cool down and at the nearby spectacular, enclosed Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, set into the harbour where you can swim while taking in the yachts and ferries on the other side of the glass.
Finish your day with some soothing drinks at the Library of NSW rooftop bar or head across the road to the Intercontinental Hotel’s scenic Aster Bar for cocktails accompanied by stunning views right down the harbour.
Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Bondi Icebergs and surrounds, Bondi
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Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Bondi Icebergs and surrounds, Bondi
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
#feelnewsydney
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
Pining for Manly
Board the Manly Ferry for the 30-minute voyage to Manly - the beachside suburb, ringed with ancient Norfolk Pine trees where it always seems to be holiday time.
Check into the newly revamped Manly Pacific Hotel with its opulent appointments but fairly modest rates. You could also consider Pepper’s Manly Beach, which also just across the road from this prime surf spot. The Corso runs from the Harbour side to the beachside and offers interesting eateries including Butter Boy for their famous cookies baked on the spot. Next door is Norma’s Deli for excellent sandwiches, cakes, and traditional Greek spreads.
Go for a stroll to Shelly Beach where you may encounter some harmless Eastern Water Dragons sun baking on the rocks along the way and ready for their close up. Dip into the water at the beach or the ocean pool then head to The Boathouse where you order at the bar and find your own table. Dine on everything from pizza and salads to fish and chips to get a real taste of Manly.
Spa It Up In Double Bay
Double Bay is Sydney’s most luxe village. It boasts plenty of hair salons along with decadent day spas, excellent shopping and five-star restaurants and bars.Head to All Saint Clinic founded by one of Australia’s best aesthetic skin doctors for pure indulgence where the treatment menu includes the Fire & Ice facial.
Next visit the famous Joh Bailey Salon for a blow out or head to La Boutique in Transvaal Avenue, where owner Belinda Jeffries is the blonde whisperer.
Celebrate the newly refreshed you with a lunch at Margaret Double Bay, owned by prestigious Icon Awards winner, Neil Perry. Take an outdoor table to make your own contribution to Double Bay’s street life, then duck downstairs to the newly opened cocktail bar, Bobbie’s.
You could also have a drink on the deck at a popular locals’ hang out, the 18 Footers Bar Restaurant & Cafe, which is right next to the Double Bay Ferry Wharf. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sun setting over the harbour and then hop on a ferry back to Circular Quay.
Manly Pacific Credit: Manly Pacific
Coastal Suites at Manly Pacific Bedroom
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Manly Pacific Credit: Manly Pacific
Coastal Suites at Manly Pacific Bedroom
Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk by Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay.
#feelnewsydney
Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk by Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay.